Arlington Shows Support for Sister City Ivano-Frankivsk

Arlington County is finding many ways to show support and solidarity for its Ukrainian sister city, Ivano-Frankivsk. On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a large-scale invasion of democratic Ukraine. The violence perpetrated by the Russian military reached Arlington’s sister city when missiles struck the city’s airport. The extent of injuries and damage is not known at this time.

On Monday, February 28, 2022, the Arlington County Board presented a Resolution to the community, stating in part, “in the spirit of friendship, understanding, and mutual respect of our cultures and histories, we believe it is important to speak out against unjust actions and demonstrate our support for our friends and partners.”  The entire Resolution can be viewed on the Board’s website.

In addition, the Ballston pedestrian bridge has been redecorated to display the traditional Ukrainian flag colors of blue and yellow. “We are against any sovereign nation being invaded and attacked, but this situation hits Arlington close to home,” stated Arlington County Board Chair Katie Cristol. “We’ve hosted government officials, students, and others from Ukraine, and we cannot sit by and do nothing.”

Arlington and Ivano-Frankivsk were formally declared sister cities on March 4, 2011, when they signed the agreement at a video-taped event. Since that time, the two communities have participated in hosting government delegations, student exchange programs, and the sharing of information with public safety responders. 

The Arlington Sister City Association has identified the following trusted organizations as providing a variety of services to the Ukrainian people. Please consider helping our friends during this difficult time.

• Razom Organization- providing humanitarian aid for Ukraine.

   

• Nova Ukraina - providing medical supplies for soldiers and essential supplies, such as food and diapers, for civilians.

   

• Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, Inc. - humanitarian aid for Ukraine.

   

• The International Rescue Committee(IRC) - is on the ground in Ukraine and is one of the principal organizations managing the settlement of refugees in the US.

   

• World Central Kitchen - in Poland and other border nations feeding fleeing Ukrainians.

 

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